Pandy Raye has been a fixture of the Cave Creek music scene for over 20 years, and she’s known for her selfless dedication to helping other aspiring musicians. “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks is just one of the many women who went on to have successful musical careers with Pandy’s guidance. Pandy has also brought many well-known female artists to Cave Creek venues including Lucinda Williams, Jesse Colter, and Jamie O’neil.

Musical genre: A little bit of everything—but mostly country and classic rock with some blues tossed in.

Venues: Keeler’s, Janey’s, Heart & Soul, Tox Bar, and Harold’s. For a complete listing, follow the Facebook page Pandy Raye.

How long have you lived in Cave Creek, and who shares your life with you? I moved to AZ in 1999, and I knew Cave Creek was home the minute I arrived. My first show in AZ was at the Satisfied Frog in Cave Creek with Michael Assad and Rhonda Roark. I’m a full-time resident of Cave Creek with my husband Chris and dog Layla.

Tell us about how your music career evolved. It all began when I was around 10 years old when I would take the stage with my parents who were professional musicians. At 16 years of age, I was in my first band. I took time off from the stage while raising my two daughters, but still wrote a few songs and did some studio work. Once my daughters were on their own, I got back into music full-time. I’ve since played internationally and opened for many headlining national artists such as George Jones and Terri Clark. I also enjoyed co-hosting one of the longest-standing open mics at Satisfied Frog for over 10 years.  

What’s your most memorable Cave Creek experience? Too many to mention! I’ve seen it all and was here when it was the town that never slept! I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to play and meet with so many awesome people here in Cave Creek. I’ll be celebrating my 10th year on the Harold’s float at the next parade.

How have you seen the Cave Creek music scene change over the years, and what do you like best about playing at our local venues? Cave Creek has grown and added many new venues. My favorite thing is to see the locals come out to enjoy the music. Back in the day, a lot of celebrities would share the stage at Satisfied Frog and Harold’s. Actors John Corbett and Steven Segal are a couple who were regulars. In the early 2000s, then Governor Janet Napolitano joined us on Harold’s stage to sing Happy Birthday to Cave Creek.

What lights you up? In addition to helping aspiring musicians with guitar & singing lessons and industry tips, I also really love helping “new-to-the-Cave Creek-scene” musicians gain more exposure. I recently hosted a Cave Creek Musician Appreciation event that featured some of our seasoned and well-known Cave Creek musicians as well as some newer talent. In 2008, I also co-created a nationally recognized musical festival called Arizona Chicks with Picks with Rhonda Jo Hitchcock. The project was all about nurturing the musical hopes and dreams of female musicians. The first festival was an all-day event at the Buffalo Chip Saloon in Cave Creek and drew over 1200 people.

Who has influenced your career the most? No question, my parents. In addition to teaching me how to sing harmony and play the guitar, they instilled the importance of helping others.